It can be hard to know when the “right” time is to move a senior loved one into an assisted living community, but there are some important signs. If your senior loved one is having trouble keeping up with personal hygiene, cleaning their home, preparing meals, remembering to take medications, or is experiencing falls, it might be time to discuss a transition to assisted living. Your loved one will benefit from being in a safe environment, having more opportunities to socialize, getting adequate nutrition, having someone assist with medication schedules, and accessing transportation for a variety of outings and errands.
Community News
Video Games for Dementia
A recent study suggests that playing video games for 30 minutes a day could help older adults gradually fight the effects of dementia by improving memory function. Games that involve a 3D environment with more advanced graphics appear to be more effective, as they offer more immersive gameplay. During the study, participants were asked to play video games for about 30 to 45 minutes per day over four weeks. Improvements in both cognition and memory skills were found in the group that played video games with 3D graphics. This could offer a simple and fun anti-dementia approach for older adults!
Prevent and Treat Iron Deficiency
1.85 million Canadians suffer from iron deficiency. To ensure that you aren’t one of those, speak to your healthcare provider to ensure that you are meeting your iron needs. Iron is found in specific food sources, however if you are not meeting your iron requirements, iron supplements are available. There’s a once daily dosing option with the highest amount of elemental heme iron, and better gastrointestinal tolerability available. You no longer have to suffer from the well-known side effects of iron supplements or take 2-3 capsules a day. HEMAFORTE 1™ can be purchased at Hemaforte.ca or at your local pharmacy, give your pharmacist the product codes McKesson #146492 and #146497.
Happy (and HEALTHY) New Year!
Happy 2022! Let’s make this our healthiest year yet! If you feel overwhelmed with where to start, it turns out even small daily adjustments can have a surprisingly big impact on your health! Here are a few ways you can help yourself feel good and age well: Eat more nutrient-dense foods. You need fewer calories with aging, but twice as many nutrients. Get active. Indoor walking, swimming, and doing yoga are all great activities to ease yourself into. Stay connected and make new friends. Social engagement and participation are especially important for older adults. These are linked to better cognition and overall health, and lower risk of depression and disability.
Inspiration vs. Obligation
A new year is an opportunity to re-evaluate, prioritize and upgrade your life. What do you feel most inspired to do, learn, and explore in your life? Are you living with inspiration or obligation? Who brings out the best in you and what obligations and responsibilities are you ready to release that no longer serve you? How can you give yourself full permission to do more of what fills you up and let go of the rest? Decide what kind of life you really want, then say no to everything that isn’t that.
Avoid Sweaty Hands and Feet
Over 950,000 Canadians suffer from hyperhidrosis. You are not alone. Excessive sweating can affect your quality of life and lead to emotional distress. You may have noticed that showering and deodorant are not enough when dealing with hyperhidrosis. But there are other fast acting options with longer protection available. There’s a 1st line proven effective therapy for hyperhidrosis and meets the criteria of the Canadian Dermatology Association’s Skin Health Program, is clinical strength antiperspirant that works. Don’t let sweat get the best of you.
New Year’s Resolutions for Seniors
The new year is always a good time to consider some positive changes you’d like to make to set you on the path to a happier, healthier you! These New Year’s resolutions for older adults are a great place to start. 1) Give your brain a boost – keeping mentally fit can be done by joining clubs or even doing a crossword puzzle each day. 2) Eat more veggies – sticking to a healthier diet is important as we age. 3) Move more – sign up for exercise classes or work out with a friend. 4) Spend more time with loved ones!
January Events
Free Legal Clinic- January 4
55+ Fitness Class- January 5 from 10:30am-11:30am. Caregiver Support Group- January 6 from 1:30pm-3:00pm. 55+ Fitness Class- January 12 from 10:30am-11:30am.
Walking Group- January 19 at 9:30am. 55+ Fitness Class- January 19 from 10:30am-11:30am. Caregiver Support Group- January 21 from 1:30pm-3:30pm. Zoom Bingo- January 26 from 1pm-3pm. Free Legal Clinic- January 26. 55+ Fitness Class- January 26 from 10:30am-11:30 am. Trivia Thursdays – January 27 1pm-3pm.
Start Changing Lives Now
We are meeting a need in the community, and we can’t do it without you. Please give generously and make a difference in the quality of life for our seniors. Your donation will go a long way to continue providing just the right programs and services and help people reconnect with the community in a safe way. Every $100 donated provides an hour of services to three older adults and caregivers.
Monthly Drop-In Computer Clinic
Have a question or two about how to use your device? You are invited to drop in to have your questions answered! Starting November 25th, we are hosting computer/software classes at our Community Services office. Held during the last Thursday of every month from 1:00 – 3:00 pm. Contact [email protected] or 604-531-9400 ext. 220 for more information. Limited spots available!
Tablet Loaning Program
If you are in need of a technology device to help you gain access to our virtual programs or simply for your own use, we have Samsung Galaxy Tab A tablets on loan. No Wi-Fi? No problem. The tablets come with data plans pre-installed. Tablet loaning is at no cost. Please contact 604-531-9400 ext. 220 to borrow a tablet today.
